Mold isn’t something any of us like to think of in our homes, but the latest figures suggest that as many as 47% of residential homes in the US suffer from some form of visible mold or mold odor. When left unchecked, this mold can lead to problems including property damage and a range of worrying health complaints. Mold inspection is a service that identifies mold before the issue can escalate to that stage.
Whether you’ve recently suffered water damage or are worried about a constant moldy smell in your property, mold inspection should be the first service you consider. But how much is a mold inspection, and what are the warning signs that you could benefit from one?
What is a Mold Inspection?
Not to be confused with mold testing, mold inspections are a vital service for anyone worried about mold. A trained professional will conduct a visual inspection of your property to identify any problem areas. This inspection should be thorough across the entirety of your property, including in traditionally high-moisture areas like attic or basement spaces.
During a visual mold inspection, a professional may take swabs for further testing, but they won’t conduct testing themselves at this stage. At most, mold inspectors might use moisture meters or a camera to identify mold and gain an idea of how widespread any issues are.
Mold Inspection vs. Mold Testing
Mold inspection and mold testing are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Mold inspection is a preliminary service that aims to identify whether mold is present and its severity.
Mold testing is a process that happens after a mold inspection, when professionals send any swabs for further testing to identify the specific type of mold, and also the amount of mold spores involved. This information is vital before mold remediation begins, and involves the use of complex equipment.
There’s typically a charge of around $656 for mold testing depending on things like property size and location. You don’t necessarily have to agree to mold testing after a mold inspection.
How Much is a Mold Inspection?
Figures generally state that mold inspections can cost between $299 to $1,014 but those costs tend to be more reflective of mold testing. In reality, the majority of trained professionals provide free mold inspection services. This is because, without the use of complex equipment, a mold inspection itself doesn’t cost the company in question any money. Costs only occur when professionals send their swabs away for testing.
If a company tries to charge for a mold inspection, it’s worth considering what you’re paying for. Often, mold inspection charges cover the cost of mold testing as well, so make sure to ask questions upfront. It’s also worth noting that air or HVAC testing during even the inspection stages often carries a fee. Ask in advance if this will be the case.
As a general rule, it’s best to seek free mold inspections. After all, at this stage, you might not even know for certain that you’re dealing with a mold issue. Free mold inspections also tend to be a sign of professionalism and genuine intentions, rather than a professional quoting you for work that might not even be necessary.
Signs You Need a Mold Inspection
You may feel reluctant to pursue even free mold inspections for fear of what this service might uncover. Unfortunately, the fact you’re reading this article suggests you likely need a mold inspection in your home.
Other sure signs that a mold inspection could be the right service for you include –
- Visible signs of mold in your home, including dark spots and warped walls
- A persistent moldy or musty smell
- Health issues like sudden allergies or respiratory problems
- High levels of humidity in your property
- Ongoing water leaks
- Window condensation
- And more
Many people also opt to seek a mold inspection before moving into a new property. This is the best way to eliminate worries about mold before committing to a purchase. Do note that some companies will charge for a specific new home mold inspection.
Find Your Free Mold Inspection With Restoration Rapid
Mold inspections themselves should be free when offered by a trusted, reliable professional. Here at Restoration Rapid, we’re on hand to help you find that professional in no time.
Our free curated network of mold experts consists of some of the top service providers in the country and can connect you to the best free mold inspections in your area. Simply enter your zip code at any time of day or night, and see first-hand how much a mold inspection should cost you.